Metal thieves on cemeteries: They are now using surveillance in the fight against theft at Baune Church

Church yards under metal theft: Monitoring used at Baunekirken in fight against theft

Church yards are often targeted for metal theft. However, monitoring is not the solution, according to the Association of Parish Councils.

Copper is in high demand, and in 2024, Baunekirken in Herning was targeted for theft of large copper plates from the church's roof. Since they installed video surveillance, they have not had problems with theft. (Photo: © Rasmus Grønning Krieger, DR) 14 minutes ago

Church yards are a peaceful area, where one often remembers one's relatives – nevertheless, this does not prevent thieves from stealing from grave sites and churches.

At Baunekirken, large copper plates have been stolen from the church's roof and walls - and therefore, they have found it necessary to install video surveillance.

- We hope we won't have to use it. But we hope, of course, that it can keep people away, says church worker at Baunekirken Bertil Langer Sølvsten.

* The large copper roof on Baunekirken has previously been targeted for copper theft. Now they have installed surveillance. (Photo: © Rasmus Grønning Krieger, DR)

* Bertil Langer Sølvsten is a church worker at Baunekirken, and he was the first at the church after the theft occurred. (Photo: © Rasmus Grønning Krieger, DR)

1 / 2 The large copper roof on Baunekirken has previously been targeted for copper theft. Now they have installed surveillance. (Photo: © Rasmus Grønning Krieger, DR) 1 / 2 Bertil Langer Sølvsten is a church worker at Baunekirken, and he was the first at the church after the theft occurred. (Photo: © Rasmus Grønning Krieger, DR) 2 / 2

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Parish Councils: Monitoring does not belong on church yards

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In South and Southern Jutland, there is currently a wave of metal theft from church yards, where among other things chains and figures are stolen. Therefore, South and Southern Jutland Police are currently investigating cases from three church yards in the Esbjerg area.

>

> There should be the same place for reflection and contemplation outside on

> the church yard, and it is not something that many would be able to do and

> have it go well with, if they literally hung a camera over their heads while

> they were there.

> Hans-Henrik Nielsen, Association of Parish Councils

However, monitoring is not a general solution that should be used throughout the country. So says Hans-Henrik Nielsen, who is chairman of the committee for economy, buildings and the green transformation in the Association of Parish Councils.

- To monitor a place like a church yard with the special character it has - that is not the solution, says Hans-Henrik Nielsen and elaborates:

- The church yard is an extension of the church's space, and there should be the same peace and the same quiet. There should be the same place for reflection and contemplation outside on the church yard, and it is not something that many would be able to do and have it go well with, if they literally hung a camera over their heads while they were there.

>

> We have been very clear in saying that we do not use it, unless something criminal happens, and we must not use monitoring unless the police ask us to do so

> Bertil Langer Sølvsten, Church worker, Baunekirken

Instead, Hans-Henrik Nielsen puts his trust in the police's investigation. However, he also encourages the bereaved to consider before they decorate a grave site with expensive metals such as copper and instead consider using other materials instead.

- I'm afraid that's what has to be advised in this situation. Even though it is incredibly frustrating that we have come to this point, where one cannot have one's own things in peace.

At Baunekirken, ethical considerations have also been discussed.

- We have been very clear in saying that we do not use it, unless something criminal happens, and we must not use monitoring unless the police ask us to do so.

However, according to Bertil Lange Sølvsten and the parish council, monitoring is necessary.

- We unfortunately live in a time where many find creative ways to steal. And that is one way to make ourselves feel secure. And it gives us some peace of mind to know that we have things on video, if there is a need for it, says Bertil Langer Sølvsten.

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